It will mark back-to-back seasons in which the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Europe for a regular-season game. The team played in Ireland last year, and now they are set to head to Paris, France, to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.
With Aaron Rodgers still unsigned, the international trip could give him yet another reason to take his time before making a final decision about returning this season.
Looking back, much of this situation could depend on how the Steelers approach their travel plans. The future Hall of Famer was open about his frustration with the team traveling to Ireland late in the week last season. He wanted more time to enjoy the country and adjust to the time difference. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor previously reported on Rodgers’ comments regarding that travel situation.
"It is what it is, but if the schedule had been a little different, if I could have chosen it, maybe we get over on Monday; Tuesday is the day off," Rodgers said during a pre-practice news conference Friday. "Good to get out, see some things. It's a beautiful country, it seems like, from pictures."
Perhaps the Steelers will take Rodgers’ concerns into account and adjust their travel plans to give the team more time overseas this season. If they do not, the starting quarterback from last year could continue to draw out this already awkward standoff.
The organization clearly wants him back, but with a trip to Paris now on the schedule, it may give him yet another reason to stay away.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could fail to sign Aaron Rodgers after recent schedule news
No one should expect this latest news about another trip to Europe to derail ongoing negotiations between the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. All indications still point to the veteran quarterback eventually returning, even if the timeline remains uncertain.
That said, the upcoming game in Paris could create a minor complication and add another layer to his decision about coming back.
Rodgers has nothing left to prove in the game of football, and a quick trip to Europe and back could be frustrating for him. Spending that much time traveling while barely getting to experience the country, only to return to Pittsburgh with 11 demanding weeks still ahead, would be a difficult stretch for any player. This part of the schedule could easily factor into Rodgers’ decision-making process.
The Steelers continue to wait for the quarterback to make a final decision on whether he will return or retire. The team placed the Unrestricted Free Agent tender on Rodgers, which gives them control of his rights moving forward. It is clear they want him back, but the veteran continues to keep the organization waiting for a final answer. That uncertainty has also left fans in limbo.
Pittsburgh’s top decision makers have been vocal about wanting this situation resolved sooner than it was last year, but that has not been the case.
Several informal deadlines have come and gone without Rodgers making a decision. The Steelers appear willing to give him as much time as he needs, but there is always the possibility that he could alter their plans by choosing to retire. With a trip to France now on the schedule, that outcome may become even more likely.
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